Capital Country Guides Attractions Events in New South Wales

Berrima is widely recognised as the best preserved example of a Georgian village on the Australian mainland. Today, visitors to Berrima can experience the quiet charm and romance that comes from those features of the village which remained frozen in time.

It wasn't always quiet and charming. From the 1950s onward, cars and trucks were taking more passenger and freight traffic away from the railway. The village was increasingly disturbed by heavy traffic along the Hume Highway.

Travellers and especially those journeying between Canberra and Sydney, found Berrima a convenient stopping point for a break and Berrima was mostly a strip of eateries and shops straddling the highway.

The village is no longer merely a stopping point on the way to somewhere else. Today's Berrima is a delightful destination in its own right - for a day trip, for a weekend, or for a much longer holiday.

Binalong was an area settled by Europeans in the 1820s, decades before official records by Colonial authorities became apparent. Originally called
“Bennelong”, the name was changed at the suggestion of local residents to Binalong, an Aboriginal word meaning “Towards a High Place”.

With its close proximity to Lambing Flat (Young) goldfields, Binalong was an obvious stopping place for Cobb and Co coaches and equally, a lucrative area for bushranger operations. The infamous bushranger “Flash” Johnny Gilbert, was shot dead by troopers in a nearby paddock in May 1865 and all that is there is an eyrie sign to mark the spot. His grave was in the Police Paddock and is on a hillside close to town along the Harden Road.

Binalong has a wonderful community atmosphere and are often hosting some amazing events like The Back to Binalong weekend. There are several local attractions which are a must see. There is the gallery and studio of Peter Minson, Corkhill's Art of Living, the Binalong Motor Museum and the 18 hole grass golf course if you are up for a challenge! Then, when the day is done, sit back and enjoy dinner at The Motel Royal Tara or the Black Swann.

The village of Binda existed long before it was gazetted as a town in 1851. As the oldest town in the district, Binda was the first to have a post office, police station, courthouse and government school, and 1840s bushranger history. The historic village of Binda is 20 kilometres north of Crookwell. Binda is renowned for its beautiful churches and the Binda Picnic Races, which are held at Funny Hill.

The village of Bookham was named by Lady Jane Franklin, wife of the Governor of Van Diemens Land, Sir John Franklin whilst travelling overland from Melbourne to Sydney in 1839.

Inspiration for Banjo Paterson’s classic poem “Old Pardon the Son of Reprieve”, came from his childhood memories of races on the Bogalong Racetrack, which today is an open paddock a short distance from the village. Close by is the site of the Julian family’s old home, where bushrangers often sought or demanded food and shelter during the 1860s.

There are two fine churches in Bookham, constructed of locally quarried granite - the Uniting Church (circa 1926) and the Catholic Church, St Columbas (circa 1910).

Bookham is close to the Murrumbidgee River via the Childowla Road, which is the beginning of the Murrumbidgee Kayak Trail to Wagga Wagga.

Why not stop at Barney's which is a 1950s style diner; you could grab a coffee and some gourmet delights!

What a great treasure trove of shops and galleries can be found in Boorowa! Just stopping in the main street with its wide road and heritage buildings and blooming roses gives a feeling of expectancy and excitement. Once drab and uninviting the town has now been rejuvenated with glorious displays of red roses in delightful gardens, attractive heritage seating and lamps from the olden days with wide pavements and clean facilities.

Boorowa is famous for the Running of the Sheep, similar in style to The Running of the Bulls in Pamplona but not considered quite so dangerous.

Experience a walk along the Boorowa River, take a dive into the Olympic pool to cool off or swing your golf clubs on the nine hole golf course.

The Shamrock Trail celebrates Boorowa’s heritage with three different walking trails to suit individuals.

Boorowa is the true country experience with country hospitality.

The village of Bowning was one of the earliest settlements in the district.

The village grew during the laying of the railway in 1876. The historic railway station is a stately building much larger than any other in the region, which lends credit to the belief that at the time of its construction it was intended to be a main stop on the line. It is located across the road from the Commercial Hotel.

Other historic buildings include the Troopers Cottage on the Binalong Road and the old Cobb and Co Coaching Station built sometime between 1850 and 1870 on the Bowning Road, near the Rollonin Cafe.

The local school was amongst the earliest established schools in inland New South Wales. It was founded in 1849 and is still providing quality education in integrated classrooms, providing children with a great sense of community.

On the outskirts of the village is Bowning Hill with an altitude of 796 metres above sea level, this was one of the landmarks that Hamilton Hume mentioned in his journal during the exploration in 1824.

Nestled in the rich volcanic soil of a majestic river valley, nearly 700 metres above the sea, Bowral is rich in rural tradition and famous for its elegant, four-season, European lifestyle.

It's where the great Don Bradman spent his formative years and where the author of Mary Poppins began creating her magical tales and where you'll find one of the most expensive suburbs in regional Australia, just a couple of kilometres from a brickworks - the famous Bowral Brickworks.

It's where you'll find unique cafes and boutiques for cosmopolitan tastes and one of the oldest cultivated gardens in Australia.

The entire township of Braidwood has been classified by the National Trust.

Nineteenth century architecture includes houses and businesses which have served the town since the goldrush days. Preservation is encouraged by the local council and guided by the NSW Heritage Council.

Braidwood was named after surgeon and pioneer Dr Thomas Braidwood Wilson, out of respect for his work improving conditions for convicts, and went on to boom as the commercial centre for the area's goldfields in the 1850's.

Bundanoon is located on the southern edge of the Highlands, on the edge of the deep valleys and escarpments of the Great Dividing Range.

Visitors can still enjoy the grand beauty of the National Park, walk one of over 14 designated walking trails to lookouts, waterfalls, the Glow Worm Glen, go bird-watching or even cycle many of the trails in the park.

Brigadoon, the Bundanoon Highland Gathering (held every April) is one of the biggest of its kind in the world, and not to be missed.

More recently Bundanoon has added mountain biking and road cycling to its list of draw cards. The Highland Fling Mountain bike event held in November has rapidly grown to become one of the States premier events.

Annual events also include the Bundanoon Village Garden Ramble and Scarecrow Festival.

Bundanoon is Australia’s first bottled water free town!

Bungendore Village is a pleasant 30 minute drive from Canberra and is a wonderful place to visit.

Settled in 1837, it is an historic village that lies in a beautiful valley with many well preserved old buildings.

Boasting attractions such as local vineyards producing award winning cool climate wines and Lake George, Bungendore is a thriving community, a country town where locals still say g’day.

The first major dam built for irrigation in New South Wales was Burrinjuck Dam. It is situated in the upper catchment of the Murrumbidgee River, approximately 60 kilometres from Yass. The name Burrinjuck comes from the Aboriginal words “Booren Yiack”, meaning “Precipitous Mountain”.

Construction started in 1907, but due to delays caused by the shortage of labour and materials during World War 1, the original design was not completed until 20 years later, although it was able to provide water for irrigation in 1912.

Burrinjuck Dam was the first major dam built for irrigation in NSW and when construction began in 1907, it was the fourth largest dam in the world.

Holding capacity: 1,025,000 million megalitres, (almost half the volume of water in Sydney Harbour).

Catchment area: 13,953 square kilometres, larger than the catchment area of the whole of the Snowy Mountains.

Crookwell is a fine example of a large country town with many of it's buildings dating back to its origins in the mid 19th century.

The original Aboriginal name of Crookwell was "Kiamma", meaning "good fishing ground". An abundance of sparkling streams are good for trout fishing. There's even a Fly Fishing School for learning or just brushing up on your skills.

There is a large range of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets including caravan parks, farm stays, hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts.

Exeter was named by James Badgery, who had arrived in Sydney in 1799 and for 20 years had successfully farmed in the Bringelly region. His farm there was called 'Exeter', after the town in England near where he grew up. Exeter was later given to the surrounding area.

The atmosphere, character and old world charm of the villages which surround the major towns create an aura of peace, tranquility and seclusion in the quaint country lanes, rolling hills, mist, birds and trees allowing one to reflect on the more leisurely pace of bygone days.

Fitzroy Falls Visitor Centre, in the northern section of the park, has been especially designed to cater for the thousands of visitors coming to the region. You'll find picnic and barbecue facilities there, as well as a café with an extensive menu, all in a natural setting within the park. Several walks around the area cater for people of all ages and ability with a special focus on people with a disability.

Located in the northern section of Morton National Park, this award-winning visitor centre is the starting point for parks on the South Coast and in the Southern Highlands.

Goulburn is a part of quintessential Australia, etched in history, a blend of pristine nature and city vitality.

Take a leisurely diversion off the highway and uncover the myriad treasures hiding in this thriving rural gem. The district has diversity unexpected, with a range of experiences to suit your taste.

Unearth the heritage of Australia’s first inland city - rich in tales of our nation's pioneers and incredible escapades of the infamous. Architecture and bush settlements showcase the district's pride and personality.

Scenic Crookwell offers peaceful cool-climate gardens and crisp sweet air - the top of the tablelands. Or take a deep breath and feel the adrenalin of the district's action - it’s up to you, but remember to....expect the unexpected.

We're perfectly positioned - only two hours from Sydney and less than an hour from Canberra, and just over an hour to the coast.

Gundaroo is a small historic village, an example of a typical 19th century Australian village. It was constructed in the period 1860-1890.

Situated in the Yass Valley, Gundaroo is a century-old township surrounded by gently rolling countryside and distant wooded hills. The main street is mostly preserved in its original character. The National Trust has defined the village as being of historic significance and it has been classified as an Urban Conservation Area.

Gundaroo is a popular destination for tourists, who come to enjoy the village's various festivals, particularly the Gundaroo Bush Festival. Gundaroo is also home to the Cork Street Cafe, The Gundaroo Colonial Inn, a boutique bridal shop with unique designer jewellery and the famous Grazings restaurant which will need to be booked months in advance!

The village has become a haven for people who work in Canberra, who are seeking the lifestyle of an established rural community.

Gunning is the centre of 'The Shire of Small Villages', settled in the 1820s. It is an old transport and wool growing centre offering heritage experiences with a peaceful, friendly rural atmosphere. Gunning is located one kilometre from the Hume Highway, just over two hours from Sydney and 45 minutes north of Canberra.

Nestled on the south-west slopes of New South Wales, Harden-Murrumburrah is an easy 340 kilometre drive from Sydney and 125 kilometres from Canberra.

The villages Galong, Jugiong, Wombat, and Kingsvale are all are interesting places to visit. Today the district produces wheat, canola, wool, lamb, beef, cherries and stone fruit, olive oil, mustard seed oil, vegetables, honey and premium red and white wines.

Harden-Murrumburrah is a convenient and tranquil base to relax, to explore the region or attend events in nearby Boorowa, Cootamundra, Temora, Yass and Young - all under an hour away.

The area offers scenic countryside, historic attractions, events and unique outlets selling arts, crafts and fresh local produce. Local wines, fruit in season, eggs, virgin olive oil, mustard seed oil and distinctive flavoured honeys are of exceptional quality and freshness.

Mittagong township is the gateway to the Southern Highlands and appeals as a base for the numerous bushwalks including one of Australia's most spectacular walks, the seven-day Barallier Track to Katoomba. It is a town with historical significance, famous for it's bygone iron ore connections.

Mittagong is a country town with a village atmosphere supporting the local rural community.

The town has grown into a vibrant community of small business, eclectic restaurants, cafes and nearby wineries as well as light industry, complimented by many groups pursuing echoes from the past including vintage cars, carriage driving, antiques and artisans using time honoured skills.

If it is antiques you interested in then look into Moss Vale, known as the antique capital of the Southern Highlands.

Moss Vale is central to the Highlands and all other villages and attractions. The town centre and old streets offer a range of interesting historic buildings and residences.

The town is surrounded by lush farming areas and the spectacular natural scenery of this highland area. Like the other towns and villages in the Southern Highlands, Moss Vale is central to a great array of natural attractions such as Fitzroy Falls, Wombeyan Caves and national parks.

Moss Vale itself also offers plenty of delights for the visitor. Leighton Gardens in the centre of the town are renowned for their colourful displays of many different blooms and treasured also as a place to relax and enjoy the pleasant climate.

The first inhabitants of the Murrumbateman district were the Aborigines from the Ngunnawal tribe who lived in the area bounded by the towns of Queanbeyan, Tumut, Boorowa and Goulburn.

Murrumbateman district has a long history dating back to the 1820s when the first white settlers took up land. To receive the first land grant was a remarkable woman Mary Davis, known around the district as “Granny” Davis. There is some conflict as to whether she lived to the grand old age of 113 or 103 but she did live in the district for some 60 years. Her grave and many other early settlers are in the (privately owned) Gounyan cemetery.

The Yass Valley has a world wide reputation for fine merino wool and Murrumbateman is at the centre of it, being home to Sir Walter Merriman who was instrumental in the Australian Wool Industry and knighted for his invaluable service.

Queanbeyan prides itself on being a country-style city. It is close to Canberra and is the gateway to the Snowy Mountains and the New South Wales South Coast. It is a popular stopover location for families, conferences, sales representatives and for anybody looking for a base to discover the city and the surrounding region.

Queanbeyan is a sport mad city with a long history of producing world class athletes from Mark Webber to David Campese.

With the opening of the 'Q' Performing Arts Centre, Queanbeyan now has a world class centre for local and national theatre performances along with a terrific exhibition space. The city has an amazing underground arts community and an interesting arts trail showcasing an array of talent from beautiful glass jewellery to the more traditional painted landscape.

Queanbeyan is on 'Q' for everything from fantastic events to great food, imaginative and inspiring arts and crafts.

Robertson is still a true country village with wide streets and ample parking. There are pleasant village walks; you can stroll through Woodlands, beside a
pretty stream beyond Hampden Park; explore the original Rainforest of the Yarrawa Brush; or visit the Heritage Railway Station in the heart of town with
regular Exhibitions at it's Fettlers Shed Gallery.

Sutton Forest has a significant place in early Australian history, being one of the first settlements (1820s) in the new lands discovered outside the outer limits of the colony of Sydney. There are interesting buildings to see, and reminders of early history in the cemeteries, look for the graves of the bushranger and troopers at All Saints, and of other early settlers at St. Patrick's c.1880 - although the graveyard is earlier.

In 1824, Hamilton Hume and William Hovell passed through the Yass Plains on their expedition to Victoria. The road between Yass and Wee Jasper was declared the most direct way to travel from Sydney to the Kiandra goldfields in the 1850s, when thousands of fortune seeking Europeans and “Celestials” (Chinese) used what must have been a bush track, prior to the development of the current surveyed road.

Wee Jasper is a small picturesque village nestled at the foothills of the Brindebella Ranges. There is a choice of activities including bushwalking on the Hume and Hovell Walking Track, fishing, camping, caving, swimming, or just lazing about!

The most romantic origin of the name Wee Jasper comes from folklore and is attributed to an early resident, McBean, an old Scot, an early settler. McBean, so the story goes, arrived home one day with “Wee” (Scottish for small), “Jasper” (gems) in his pocket.

Wombat is a small township in New South Wales, Australia. It is situated on the Olympic Highway, 15 kilometres south-west of Young. It is in the local government area of Harden Shire Council and in the Federal Government electoral area of Hume. Wombat has a population of approximately 180 people.

Yass Valley is located within an easy 45 minute drive from the centre of Canberra. The Yass Valley has its own unique charm and country friendliness - you can be assured of a warm welcome when you visit the Yass Valley. During the early 1800s, the natural beauty and superior agricultural land of the Yass district led famous explorer Hamilton Hume and the poet Banjo Paterson to settle in the district.

Today, the main street of Yass is brimming with architectural treasures reminiscent of early settlement days. Many of the wonderful heritage features of Yass are best visited on foot. There is a lovely historic walk and drive guide available from the Yass Valley Visitor Information Centre which will show you the architectural wonders of the Yass township.

Yass boasts some great shopping, gallery and cafe experiences with free parking - so come and see for yourself!

Since settlement as ‘Lambing Flat’ in 1826, Young’s history has evolved through the discovery of gold in 1860 and subsequent riots against Chinese miners to become a thriving town that offers unique attractions and a wealth of accommodation and dining facilities to suit the needs and tastes of every budget.

Young is the ‘Cherry Capital of Australia’ and boasts many cherry and stone fruit orchards. Young is also part of the ‘Hilltops’ region synonymous with producing quality cool climate wines and local produce. Four cellar doors offer tastings and sales of fine wines and quality produce is available in abundance.

Rich in history and character, Young is centrally located in the Hilltops wine and food region. The region is renowned for its fresh produce, particularly cherries and other stone fruit, and offers a relaxing pace of life with accommodation and dining facilities to suit every budget.

Various wineries offer cellar-door tastings so visitors can sample delicious cool-climate wines. The surrounding area is home to the charming towns of Boorowa and Harden, each with its own individual history and identity but sharing a common desire to make visitors welcome.